Sexual Relationships 
Sexual Health 
Nudism is not sexual on its own, but its practitioners are human beings who are by nature sexual. Nudism is also family friendly, allowing people of all ages. This creates a problem. Where do we draw the line on what is and isn't allowed in nude recreation? For decades, that line has been drawn at visible signs of arousal, mainly erections.
#1 Barrier to Men Enjoying Nude Recreation
One of the largest concerns for men who are considering going to a nude beach or a nudist resort is whether or not they might get an erection. A lot of these spaces are family friendly meaning people of all ages are present. The most common answer to this is that erections are rare, but for first time nudists this can be of little comfort. The second answer to this is to carry a small towel to cover up with. I think you can see why this offers little comfort as well.
How Common Are Erections?
Most male nudists are too nervous their first few times to actually become aroused. After the first few times, nudity is more normalized and less sexual, therefore no arousal occurs. While sometimes an errant erection may make an unexpected appearance, and most groups offer men a bit of forgiveness for them. In one resort's frequently asked questions section of their website they state the following:
This problem occurs far less frequently than you might think. Nude recreation is not a sexual situation for participants. If you get an erection at a nude beach or other social nude setting, naturist's generally yield a bit of elbow room to avoid making you feel uncomfortable; you should use your judgment to avoid making them feel uncomfortable. If necessary, take a swim or roll over for a short while or temporarily cover up with your towel. In any case, just use common sense and be considerate.
Does Nudism Have to be Non-Sexual?
Some nudists complain that this blanket ban on arousal goes against the idea of nudism because it forces them to view a natural bodily function as taboo and even shameful. Even without arousal, some men become erect as a mater of reflex several times a day. It creates a weird dichotomy where they are in a place where the human body is radically freed in some aspects, but still repressed in others. The author of Naked: A Cultural History of American Nudism, Brian Hoffman thinks its odd that nudist culture attempts to erase any sign of eroticism. Even if nudism breaks the direct association of nudity and arousal, it doesn't mean that people won't still get aroused at times.
Nudism's Roots to Blame?
As nudism was being established in the United States, one of their arguments for becoming legal was that it wasn't sexual. This lead to bans on contact between men and women (even to the point of not allowing a married couple to assist each other with sunscreen) and the aforementioned ban on erections. While ideas around nudity have liberalized, some of the policies they created haven't.
Is Arousal Just a Male Problem?
The short answer is no. Some women also report avoiding nude recreation for fear of being aroused. Women have fewer external signs of arousal, however, and some, like erect nipples, are also caused by feeling cold.
But the Families!
Most nude beaches and resorts allow families. Nudists respect that families do not want to be exposed sexual behavior, and are on their best behavior when families are around. This is one situation where an erection ban is still warranted. Nudist resorts are very diligent about keeping voyeurs off their property, especially if they are a family-friendly resort. Any sexual behavior here will get you kicked out and banned.
The Bottom Line
Arousal has always been a touchy subject among nudists and naturists. While views on arousal are becoming more nuanced, there is no clear cut answer to the age old question of erections at nudist resorts and beaches. I don't mean to scare anyone away from nudism. Erections are very uncommon. I can only remember seeing two in my 29 years as a nudist, and even through puberty I never experienced an unwanted erection while nude. Hit the beach, get some sun, and don't worry about your body's reactions. If it happens, don't make a big deal out if it. Roll onto your stomach, go for a swim, cover up with a towel or blanket. It will pass and you can get back to enjoying the freedom of being nude.
#nudism #naturism #bodypositive #clothingoptional
What Girls & Guys Said
9 26as you know about me and my views on this as well as my friends and family so we see both sides of the subject with us being nudists or just comfortable with nudity and nakedness that we don't see it as sexuel but I can't say that at times some may at time get aroused but we let it go and not take any notice just the same as we don't really take much notice who have it is that's nude.
we are very open about it.
sorry for going a little of subject
Good take
Very helpful, informative and rational writeup. Thanks.
Thank you!
Yeah I wouldn't be comfortable having an erection. Would have to cover it up
''family friendly''... yeah... uh, no!
Nudity is not sexual in itself. The main reason it feels that way in our society is because it has been prohibited or made taboo. In nudism, it hasn't been made taboo- its natural.
tell that pedophiles, teens, and older men... in fact, i very much doubt those of the opposite sex wouldn't not be turned on.
It doesn't make any sense. All you said is for nothing.
Seems to me, that in an non-hedonistic nudist setting, occasional arousal could be accepted, as long as it's not acted on, and the person act in a lewd manner. I'm not sure this could be practical, however.
I don't think anyone is going to freak out too much over unintentional arousal, especially if it isn't flaunted, and/or its covered up.
I Have Been A Nudist For Many Years, It Bothers Me When Textiles Say Nudists Are Sick Perverts...
Nudity Does Not Equal Sex...
and erections do not mean sex either.. men and boys have them in the morning when they wake up they have to pee and are not thinking about sex but going pee.. when erections happen if the guy is not playing with it or making it a point to show it off it should not be a big deal..
Nice take, explains a few things, I doubt I would get hard since my penis is very picky 😊 It's nice to feel free without worrying what people think
it may not be sexual but still some get it in that way
A nude beach is actually less sexual than a regular beach. You don't see the enticing forms of swimwear meant to be sexually attractive. On a nude beach, it's just nude, nothing to hide, nothing to enhance. In a non-sexual setting as on a nude beach, women are actually less sexually attracting than on a regular beach, where the flaws are hidden, and everything is worn to enhance sexual attraction.
Not At An ANNR Nudist Resort...
I dont get the point of nudism. You have a lot of naked people together on a beach. If they are not gonna fuck, they are just wasting everybody's time
If you think the only point of being nude is to "fuck" then you definitely are missing the point of nudism.
Getting nude is not to F**K always. It is being closer to the nature and freedom. Respect the body as gift of god
@lonely12 exactly. Nudism for me is about feeling free, about feeling the sun and the breeze on my body, and about being comfortable in my skin.
@lonely12 what better way to respect your body and be comfortable than sex? I always thought nudist beaches always included an orgy, only few years ago I realized that its just a bunch of naked people doing nothing. Needless to say I was disappointed
I'm sex positive, and I do enjoy sex, but that happens in private, not on the beach or in public.
Why no? I mean its the only legit reason for a bunch of people to strip in one place
There are many reasons for being nude in public besides sex. It's a very freeing experience, both in the sense of feeling the breeze on your whole body, and freedom from materialism. It's also healthy to let stuff breath. There are no tan lines.
Ok, in that case no good reasons
Erections are defenintly a problem. I had a problem while visiting my girlfriend's family who were hosting a nude event at their home. Basically the sight of my girlfriend's younger sisters got me hard.
You mention families, so does that mean under 18 and children? Is that OK? I mean, i see things in the news, sometimes about people getting arrested for child porn pics. If they are underage, and naked, isn't that illegal in places like the US, and other countries?
It is legal, and many nudist families exist. I was raised in one of them. www.aanr.com/about-aanr/nudist-family-values
oh the irony!
Yes, child pornography in any form is illegal in the U. S.. Being nude in an appropriate (legal) venue with your family is not pornography. Photography is not allowed in any nudist resort I've ever been to (dozens). Any hint of inappropriate behavior will get you instantly kicked out. I've heard of resorts calling cops too but I can't personally vouch for that. In general, AANR resorts are well structured and people know and follow the rules. We don't go to nude beaches because they aren't very structured and there are no rules about photography, although taking inappropriate photos might get you beaten up. We think social nudism is one the most relaxing, innocuous activities you can participate in. We're going on vacation next week and will be staying at one of our favorite resorts near Denver for 3 days. Ahhhhh.